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9 Best Ear Mite Treatment for Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

grayish cat's owner cleaning its ears_Te9I_shutterstock

9 Best Ear Mite Treatment for Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

VET APPROVED

Dr. Paola Cuevas Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Paola Cuevas

MVZ (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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grayish cat's owner cleaning its ears_Te9I_shutterstock

If you’re watching your cat scratching her ears obsessively and continuously shaking her head, she might have ear mites. They tend to be more common in outdoor cats and are very contagious to other cats. While they aren’t terribly serious, complications can arise if left untreated. The first thing you need to do is bring your cat to the vet to rule out any other issue with your cat’s ears, but once your vet has diagnosed the ear mites, you’re left with the treatment.

There are many treatments for ear mites available out there, so how do you go about choosing the best one? Well, we’re making your life a little easier by reviewing the 9 best ear mite treatments for cats that are currently on the market. You can read through the reviews and follow the links so you can make the best decision for you and your cat. You can discuss your options with the vet as well. Treating ear mites might be a little yucky, but you’ll be well-informed and well-armed with the right ear mite treatment.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024)

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Miracle Care R-7M Ear Mite Treatment Kit Miracle Care R-7M Ear Mite Treatment Kit
  • Can use on cats and dogs
  • Works on ear mites and ear ticks
  • Comes with bonus ear cleaner
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Hartz UltraGuard Ear Mite Cat Treatment Hartz UltraGuard Ear Mite Cat Treatment
  • Inexpensive
  • Kills mites on contact
  • 3 tubes of treatment
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Revolution Topical Solution Revolution Topical Solution
  • 3 or 6 months of treatment
  • Only need to treat once a month
  • No fiddling with your cat’s ears
  • Sentry HC Earmite Free Sentry HC Earmite Free
  • Inexpensive
  • Water-based
  • Works quickly
  • BEXLEY LABS Antiseptic Ear Flush BEXLEY LABS Antiseptic Ear Flush
  • Moderately priced
  • Works for both cats and dogs
  • Doubles as a regular ear cleaner
  • The 9 Best Ear Mite Treatment For Cats

    1. Miracle Care R-7M Ear Mite Treatment Kit – Best Overall 1Miracle Care R-7M Ear Mite Treatment

    Miracle Care R-7M Ear Mite Treatment Kit is the best earn mite medicine for cats and dogs overall. It’s moderately priced and comes with a bonus ear cleaner that you can use before and after using the treatment. Both the treatment and the cleaner are safe for your cat’s ears and are very effective for killing ear mites as well as ticks. The ear cleaner works very well to clean up the excess build-up of ear wax, reduces the odor, and will make your cat feel better very quickly.

    The two bottles that come with Miracle Care’s treatment kit are 1 ounce and can last for about one month or up to a year, depending on how often you use them. You can use the product on multiple pets at one time, and it was found that just 2 treatments seemed to show a noticeable improvement in some cases. While it proved very useful for most cats, there are some pets that it might not prove as effective.

    All in all, we think this is the best ear mite treatment for cats. However, this product, while very effective, should be managed with caution. The active ingredient pyrethrin can be toxic to cats if ingested, so if you have more than one cat, you need to keep them separated to avoid accidental ingestion while grooming each other. Do not apply it on kittens under 12 weeks of age. The application should be performed very carefully: 10 drops directly inside the ear, making sure it penetrates wax and surrounding tissues, then gently massage and then clean excess with a tissue or cotton. Follow the instructions carefully and do not exceed the 10 drops (this is based on an average-sized cat. If you have a small-sized breed it is safer to reduce to 5 or 6 drops). Store the product carefully where your kitty can not reach it and keep your cat under observation during the duration of this treatment. Lastly, this ingredient is hazardous to aquatic life, so please be mindful of where you rinse equipment and how you dispose of the waste.

    Pros
    • Comes with a bonus ear cleaner
    • Noticeable improvement after just a few treatments
    • Can use on cats and dogs
    • Works on ear mites and ear ticks
    • Less expensive than other treatments
    Cons
    • Might not work for all pets

    2. Hartz UltraGuard Ear Mite Cat Treatment – Best Value 2Hartz UltraGuard Ear Mite Cat Treatment

    Hartz UltraGuard provides the best ear mite treatment for cats for the money. It’s the least expensive ear mite treatment that we reviewed and has 3 tubes that contain approximately 100 drops per tube. The cats receiving treatment should be a minimum of 5 pounds and 12 weeks of age. It’s designed to kill the ear mites on contact and contains aloe, which can help to soothe any irritation in your cat’s ears. There is enough treatment in the 3 tubes for it to last for some time.

    A lot of the best ear mite medicines for cats also contains pyrethrin like the product above, so please ensure to take the same precautions as listed above. Some cats react badly to this treatment as it can cause irritation, so it is recommended to discontinue use if you notice any bad reactions.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Kills mites on contact
    • 3 tubes of treatment that can last for a long time
    Cons
    • Causes irritation in some cats
    • Ear cleaner sold separately

    3. Revolution Topical Solution – Premium Choice 3Revolution Topical Solution for Cats

    Revolution is a well-known treatment for pests that requires a prescription. It is multi-purpose and will exterminate fleas and works as a prevention against heartworm disease, hookworms, roundworms, as well as ear mites. Revolution is only applied once a month, and there are 3 or 6 treatments in each box (depending on which product you purchase), which makes for a long-lasting product. You dispense one entire tube to the back of your cat’s neck, so it makes treatment much easier than the traditional ear mite treatments that are applied to your cat’s ears.

    On the downside, Revolution is quite expensive, and because it is designed to eradicate a number of different parasites, your cat should be tested by the vet to rule out existing heartworm infestations before starting the treatment. As with any medication, keep an eye on your cat for 24-48 yours, especially after the first application. It has been known to cause irritated skin and bald patches in cats. Because a big part of treating ear mites is cleaning the infected area, you will still need to invest in an ear cleaner.

    Pros
    • 3 or 6 months of treatment
    • Only need to treat once a month
    • No fiddling with your cat’s ears
    Cons
    • Very expensive
    • Isn’t just for ear mites, heartworm test recommended
    • Need a prescription

    4. Sentry HC Earmite Free 4Sentry HC Earmite Free Ear Miticide for Cats

    Sentry HC is designed to kill ear mites as well as ear ticks quickly and effectively. It comes in a 1 oz bottle that should last for about a month for one cat. It’s relatively inexpensive and can eliminate the mites almost immediately, although a number of treatments are recommended. It also contains aloe, which will assist in soothing irritated and itchy ears, and is water rather than oil-based.

    This product also contains pyrethrins, so please ensure to take the same precautions as listed above. Be sure to only use on healthy cats that are a minimum of 12 weeks old and are not already ill, pregnant, nursing, or senior cats.

    Pros
    • Enough for about 1 month of treatment for 1 cat
    • Treats ear mites as well as ear ticks
    • Works quickly
    • Water-based
    • Contains aloe for soothing irritated ears
    • Inexpensive
    Cons
    • Can only be used on cats
    • Active ingredient pyrethrin, use with caution

    5. BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Antiseptic Ear Flush 5BEXLEY LABS Curaseb Veterinary Cat & Dog Ear Infection Treatment

    Bexley Labs Curaseb Antiseptic Ear Flush is meant to treat ear infections that have occurred due to yeast, fungus, bacteria, and ear mites. It cleans out either a cat’s or dog’s ears thoroughly and eliminates wax buildup and inflammation due to any of these issues that might plague your pet. It is also meant to be gentle and shouldn’t cause any irritation, and is moderately priced. Curaseb can also be used just for regular ear cleaning.

    While it makes the treatment more pleasant, there is an added fragrance that might not work for pets that have sensitive skin and could actually cause irritation. While it does seem useful most of the time, the treatment is not specifically geared for ear mites, making it less likely to be effective for treating that specific problem. The formula is also meant to be a gentle, no-sting product, but pets with sensitive skin have been known to experience irritation and pain.

    Pros
    • Moderately priced
    • Treats ear mites as well as ear infections
    • Works for both cats and dogs
    • Doubles as a regular ear cleaner
    Cons
    • Not designed specifically just for ear mites
    • Fragrance added which might irritate sensitive skin
    • Claims to be no sting, which isn’t always the case

    6. PetArmor Ear Mite & Tick Treatment 6PetArmor Ear Mite & Tick Treatment for Cats

    PetArmor Ear Mite & Tick Treatment is inexpensive and comes in a 3 oz bottle, which should last 1 cat a few months of treatment. It comes with aloe to help alleviate your cat’s itchy and irritated ears and works quickly to kill ear ticks and mites.

    PetArmor does not come with any instructions, however, so upon purchasing, you will need to look up the treatment procedure online. It is recommended to not use on cats under the age of 12 weeks. 5 drops for each ear twice a day on cats older than 12 weeks should help treat the problem. This product is also based on pyrethrins, but at lower concentration and dose, so if your cat’s ear mite infestation is severe, you might want to opt for a different product. Please do follow all the precautions enlisted above about the use of Pyrethrins on cats.

    Pros
    • Enough for about 2 months of treatment for 1 cat
    • Treats ear mites as well as ear ticks
    • Works quickly
    • Contains aloe for soothing irritated ears
    • Inexpensive
    Cons
    • Can only be used on cats
    • Not effective for all cats
    • Does not come with instructions

    7. Four Paws Ear Mite Remedy 8Four Paws Ear Mite Remedy

    Four Paws Ear Mite Treatment is designed to treat cats suffering from ear mites. It is well-priced and contains aloe to help soothe itchy and irritated ears and be purchased for dogs or cats. It will eradicate ear mites on contact and can be used in conjunction with ear cleaning.

    One of the most significant problems with this product, however, is the bottle design. We found that the product did not drip out easily, and when you’re holding a fidgety animal, it proved difficult to administer the drops into the cat’s ears. In some cases, the top of the bottle comes off easily while squeezing, which could mean too much of the product will pour into your cat’s ear. This formula is also based on Pyrethrins, please follow the precautions mentioned above and the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some have also found that the ingredients are too potent for use on the sensitive skin of cat ears.

    Pros
    • Contains aloe
    • Treats ear mites effectively
    • Works quickly
    • Inexpensive
    Cons
    • Could cause mild irritation on sensitive cat’s ears
    • Bottle design is flawed
    • Difficult to squeeze drops out of the bottle
    • Bottle top sometimes comes off while squeezing

    8. Arava Natural Ear Mite Treatment 9Arava Natural Ear Mite Treatment - for Dogs & Cats

    Arava Botanical Ear Mite Treatment is made from 9 different products that are all-natural as well as 26 Dead Sea minerals. If you’re interested in using a product with natural ingredients, this is the only product on our list that is all-natural. Arava does provide a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t happy with your purchase.

    Mixed results, however, come with this formula as it is made up of a number of essential oils that aren’t necessarily safe for animals. Cinnamon and peppermint can be toxic for pets in large doses, and this product contains both of these oils. If used sparingly, they should be okay, but they have been known to cause irritation in the cat’s ears. The scent of peppermint is also known to be off-putting to cats, so this product might also be difficult to use if your cat doesn’t like the scent.

    Pros
    • Treats ear mites as well as infections
    • All-natural ingredients
    • 30-day money back guarantee
    Cons
    • Contains essential oils, do not exceed manufacturer’s recommendations
    • Might cause irritation
    • Scent may be off-putting for most cats

    9. Petpost Cat Ear Cleaner 10Petpost Pet Ear Cleaner for Dogs & Cats

    Petpost Cat Ear Cleaner is an ear cleaner meant for cats that will clear up any debris and wax. It’s somewhat more expensive than many of the other products on this list, but it does have a 100% money-back guarantee if you are not happy with the results. Petpost is made up of plant-based products such as coconut oil and aloe, which will make it less harsh than some of the other products.

    However, this product is an ear cleaner and not specifically meant for just treating ear mites and might be best used alongside ear mite treatment. It has a strong fragrance that has been added that may be off-putting for pets and humans alike. It also proved to be not always effective at eradicating ear mites.

    Pros
    • Plant-based
    • Money back guarantee
    Cons
    • A little more expensive
    • Not effective for all cats
    • Strong odor
    • Ear cleaner rather than ear mite treatment

    cat + line divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Ear Mite Treatment for Cats

    When your vet has diagnosed your pet with ear mites, your next step is finding the best treatment if you opt to purchase your own. Or perhaps your cat is prone to getting ear mites periodically, and you have the knowledge but are looking for a new product to get rid of them for good. Well, do please read on, and we’ll give you some ideas as to what you should think about while making the decision for the right treatment for your cat.

    Prescription or Over the Counter

    Over the counter usually means cheaper, but it can also take much longer for the ear mites to clear up. While the medication your vet prescribes might be expensive, it will usually only take one treatment and will heal up much faster. Many over the counter products won’t necessarily kill the mite eggs. Therefore, the treatment is recommended to be used for over 30 days, even if it looks like it has cleared up. This will ensure that the ear mites won’t come back.

    Another consideration is your cat’s temperament. If you have no doubt your cat will not sit still or might get a little, shall we say, feisty during treatment, you’ll want to consider a one time or once a month product. This way, both you and your awesome cat will be a little happier.

    Ear Mite Treatment Quantity

    You should look at the size of the bottle or tube. How many treatments will you get out of your purchase, particularly if you own more than one cat? You’ll want to avoid buying multiple medications at different times when you need to keep the treatment consistent. Waiting weeks for the medication to arrive in the mail could take the healing process back a few steps.

    Cat Age

    If you have a young kitten with ear mites, you should be careful about what kind of treatment you purchase. Many products are too strong for a cat under 12 weeks of age and might actually damage her ears. You need to be sure to follow the instructions carefully about the size and age of the cat that the product is meant for.

    Pet-Specific Ear Mite Treatment

    Not all ear mite treatments are meant for cats. Ensure you are buying an ear mite treatment that is specifically designed for cats rather than just dogs. There are quite a number of treatments out there that are meant for both dogs and cats. Just be careful and don’t purchase a product that was made just for dogs.

    Cat Ear Sensitivity

    If you have a cat with sensitive skin, avoid ear mite treatments that contain harsh insecticides that go in the cat’s ears. Some of the products in these reviews are designed to kill ear mites, and some cats may have a bad reaction to them. Consult your vet with your concerns and consider an injectable or one-time only topical treatment.

    Remember, if you suspect your cat may have an ear infection or if you’re just not sure what might be wrong with her ears, always consult your vet before treating her. Your vet will be okay with your purchasing any over-the-counter treatments and will probably have an opinion of which one will work best for you and your cat.

    cat paw dividerConclusion

    Finding the best ear mite treatment for your cat is an important decision for you as you’ll want to clear up the problem as quickly as possible. You also certainly want your cat mite-free as soon as possible.

    Our favorite overall product is the Miracle Care R-7M Ear Mite Treatment Kit for being an excellent price. It comes with a bonus ear cleaner and works very effectively to eradicate ear mites. The best value award goes to Hartz UltraGuard Ear Mite Treatment for Cats for being the least expensive but still a very effective product that is explicitly designed for cats.

    The last thing you want is to see your cat in obvious discomfort, so treating her ears will be a challenging but essential goal. In the end, the decision is up to you and your vet, but we hope that our reviews have made your final decision an easier one and that your cat is on her way to healthier and happier ear mite-free ears.


    Featured Image Credit: Te9I, Shutterstock

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